Orica controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2015
Executive bullying controversy
Chief executive Ian Smith left Orica after allegations concerning bullying of a female employee. The episode was followed by leadership turnover and heightened scrutiny of corporate culture.
2012
Second Botany mercury incident
A further mercury leak associated with remediation work was reported at the Port Botany site, with measurements above the applicable regulatory limit cited by authorities.
2012
Gladstone cyanide prosecution
Queensland authorities brought hundreds of charges alleging breaches involving cyanide-containing effluent discharged from Orica's Gladstone operations.
2011
Kooragang Island chemical incidents
A series of incidents at Kooragang Island included releases of hexavalent chromium, arsenic, ammonia and ammonium nitrate. The events led to public criticism, investigations, regulatory intervention and temporary restrictions on plant operations.
2011
Botany mercury emission
Mercury vapour was detected near Orica's Botany operations after a release associated with contaminated site infrastructure. Authorities were notified and later reviewed off-site emissions.
2007
Coahuila explosives-transport explosion
A road accident involving explosives transported under contract for Orica in Mexico caused a major explosion, with reported fatalities and more than 250 injuries.
Botany groundwater contamination
Historic chlorinated-solvent production associated with the former ICI site contaminated the Botany aquifer. Orica undertook remediation and built a groundwater treatment plant intended to contain and treat the affected water.